Engine block heater?
 

I have a 1981 MB 300SD and I was wondering about an engine block heater, (some kind of wall socket plug-in unit to warm the engine prior to starting). Our regular mechanic said they couldn't find one and there wasn't a good way to add one. First of all, besides being beneficial for passengers (my wife!) I assume it would be good for the engine, especially on those cold Wisconsin winter days. But rather than make a wrong assumption I'll ask, is it really beneficial and if so, are there units or companies people recommend that have a good poroduct? Thanks! --Peter

Pretty much every MB sold in many parts of Canada came with/comes with a block heater. They have been installed since the 1960's. I don't know a diesel owner without one, and I have never owned a car without one.

They are installed in a frost plug location, and I have had to replace a few, and it's a bit of a job. You might think about an inline coolant heater that is installed in a coolant hose, or a special oil pan element. When I liven in the Yukon it would get to -55C in the winter, and I had an engine block heater, a coolant circulating heater and a battery blanket on my Civic. Even getting close to -60C it would start.

Please search this site for "block Heater. There are reams of info. There is a screwout plug in the block behind your starter. Get a new mechanic!! Every
Mercedes diesel since the 60s has the removable plug or an installed block heater.

Peter - Over on the diesel forum you'll find more info on block heaters than you can possibly use. Sounds as if your "regular" mechanic shouldn't be....

Block heaters, especially connected to a timed electrical outlet are great in cold climates.

Cheers,
Wes

Not just the diesels, even the gasser blocks have the ability to be fitted with heaters.